Nail fungus, as well as athlete's foot, is caused by a fungus on the skin. It usually occurs between the toes, on the nails or under the soles of the feet.
Athlete's foot" is a particular form of athlete's foot localized between the toes. This superficial skin infection caused by a fungus can affect the soles of the feet, the nails and other areas of the skin outside the feet. It can become a gateway to other infections, notably bacterial. Heat and humidity favour the development of the fungus.
Foot fungus is caused by a fungus called dermatophyte. The fungus contaminates the skin and develops mainly between the toes. Proliferation most often occurs indirectly, when you walk barefoot in warm, damp places such as swimming pools, changing rooms, saunas, gyms and even your own bathroom. The fungus lodges between the toes, then multiplies and spreads to the skin and nails in the case of nail fungus.
Athlete's foot is not serious, but it is very unpleasant and extremely contagious. An untreated infected person can self-infect other parts of the body. It can also infect other people. Nail fungus can worsen over time and is contagious. It's important to start treatment as soon as the first signs of infection appear.
The first signs generally appear between the 3rd and 4th toes , or between the 4th and 5th. They are characterized by redness, often accompanied by severe itching or even burning. As the fungal infection progresses, a fissure may form, which can be painful, and small blisters (vesicles) may become visible.
If left untreated, foot fungus can spread to all the toes. The infection can also spread to the top and bottom of the foot, where the soles become thick and scaly. Toenails can also be affected, becoming thickened, whitish at first, then yellowing or even blackening and becoming brittle. If handled, the infection can easily spread to other areas of the skin.
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Our feet are veritable nests of fungi. Locked up all day in shoes or exposed to the environment, they can be affected by fungal infections. Athlete's foot most often causes cracking and itching between the toes, with little skins peeling off. It can also cause dry feet and water blisters. Antifungal and/or antimycotic drugs are used locally to eliminate nail or foot fungus.
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that mainly affects toenails, although fingernails can also be affected. The condition is caused by microscopic fungi such as dermatophytes, yeasts (notably Candida) or, more rarely, molds. It manifests itself as discoloration, thickening and increased fragility of the nail. Prompt, appropriate treatment is essential to prevent the spread of infection and restore nail health.
Nail fungus is favored by hot, humid conditions, particularly in closed shoes or public places such as swimming pools and changing rooms. Microtrauma to the nails facilitates the penetration of fungi. People with diabetes, weakened immune systems or excessive perspiration (hyperhidrosis) are at increased risk. Poor foot hygiene or sharing non-disinfected manicure tools can also promote infection.
Infection often begins with a white or yellowish discoloration at the edge of the nail. Over time, the nail thickens, becoming opaque and rough. It may crumble or partially detach from the nail bed (onycholysis). In some cases, redness or swelling around the nail may appear, causing discomfort or pain.
Diagnosis relies primarily on visual examination of the nails. However, to confirm the presence of mycosis and identify the pathogenic agent, a nail sample may be taken for laboratory analysis (direct examination or fungal culture). This step is particularly important in guiding the choice of treatment.
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